Joshua Chapter 19

Today’s chapter is a continuation of how the rest of the tribes received their allotment of the Promise Land.

There are a few significant points that I found when I read and reflected this chapter.

Firstly, Simeon’s inheritance was included within Judah’s… because Judah’s share was too much for them (vs 9). Why do you think this was so? Read Genesis 34:25-31 and Genesis 49:5-7 for the clues as to this. I will not be focusing on this today.

Secondly, the inheritance of Dan and what they finally also occupied. Dan decided that they wanted more than the land that was given to them (verses 40-48).

Finally, it was the land that was given to Joshua (verses 49-51).

Dan’s Inheritance

Let’s first look at this map:

Notice that Dan occupied 2 parts. One, on the lower part of Canaan, to the left of Ephraim. This was the land that fell upon them by lot.

But they decided this was not enough and went to attack Leshem, at the north beyond the original borders of Israel (verse 47) and occupied there. In fact, they decided that that place will be where their main city will be – and called that place Dan.

Why did they do it? Was it in the will of God? Did they get the permission of God to do so?

This is not clear from this passage. The initial intent to conquer Leshem could be because it was an easier city to conquer and it seemed a better place. But being far up north, it made them an easy target for the enemies at the north to attack and influence them.

Later on in the Bible, you will find that Dan was one of the high places where they worshipped golden calves.

What lessons does this have for us today?

Sometimes we are not contented with God’s will for us and make decisions based on our own desires, wants and ease. And decisions may seem good for the moment, but do they open us up to being influenced or attack? Will it affect our faith?

We may be able to avoid all this if we know how to make any serious decisions by always keeping God in the picture and ask Him for guidance instead of acting on our own will.

Joshua’s Inheritance

Typical of Joshua, it was only after every tribe had received their land did he then get his own allocation.

This was given to him willingly by the children of Israel (verses 49-50).

It is indeed remarkable when you think about it. Here was their leader. He brought them across River Jordan, fought all the battles. In any typical nation or organization, the leader always gets first choice of the spoils.

But Joshua did not behave like a typical leader. He was exactly like Jesus – coming to serve and not to be served. He did not use his power or influence to get an advantage.

It is tempting when one is in power or a leadership position to think that since I have done so much for my followers or those who work for me – that I should have priority over them and expect to be ‘served’ or given preferential treatment.

Sometimes we may do so without realizing it.

Let us examine ourselves today and see what our motives are.

Remember what Jesus said?

²⁵ But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. ²⁶ Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. ²⁷ And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave— ²⁸ just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
~ Matthew 20:25-28 ~

•